I am happy to present to you our third local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Fixin’ It Up with Sandra.
Our latest Lake County business feature was Gillian Gallagher, owner of The Angry Baker Kitchen Store, who chose to Pay it Forward to Sandra Campos, owner of Fixin’ It Up with Sandra.
The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward.
Fixin’ It Up with Sandra is a unique store offering homemade and hand-selected distinctive gifts – everything from homemade festive wreaths to room sprays to a wide array of homemade candles and more. Sandra’s products are available at her physical store and online store. She also offers exquisite step-by-step YouTube tutorials for many of her homemade items available in-store and online.
1. Why did you decide to start your own business?
I’ve always wanted to start a business for my handcrafted items because I wanted to create a space for people to come and get ideas, be inspired and also find quality products that they’ll love. It was during the pandemic when I lost my job as a server that I decided that there was no other time than now to open up my business.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?
My advice to someone who is thinking about starting a business is just do it. There are so many small things like “I need this or that before I open” or “I need to have everything planned out before.” That will hold you back and doesn’t matter at that very moment. Like people have told me before, your business is like your baby and you can never be too prepared for that little bundle of joy. You just need to do it and you’ll find your way.
3. What routines do you follow each day?
My routines that I follow each day are ones that I have learned from high-achiever influencers through podcasts and books. My favorite rule that I live by daily is Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule. It keeps me from procrastinating, and it really does help me get so much done in a day. I also like to set intentions for the day. If I plan my day for the most part, it keeps me on track. And the most important routine that I have is I always make sure that I get plenty of rest. Sleep is the key ingredient for how I do all that I do.
4. How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
I set my business apart from other business not only by selling my handcrafted products, but I will show you how to make your very own on my YouTube channel. If you love my products, I want you to be able to make them yourself or for your friends and family.
5. What is the hardest part of being an entrepreneur?
The hardest part of being an entrepreneur is comparison. It’s the thief of joy, and it will rob you of all of your accomplishments. Trying to compare your beginning to someone’s years of hard work can only discourage you. You have to not see the person that is doing something similar to you or maybe the exact same thing and see them as your competitor. There’s room for all of us, and no one, no matter how hard they try, can do exactly what you do.
6. How do you deal with fear and doubt?
I try not to let fear and doubt take me over. When doubt starts to creep in, I like to take a step back, remember all the obstacles and then nothing seems impossible. Fear is always in the back of my mind but I listen to that 5-second rule and I just cannonball in to whatever that fear is. I’m also someone who has a strong faith and whatever happens is ok.
7. If you had three wishes – What would they be?
If I had 3 wishes, this is what I would wish for:
- That those who struggle will someday find peace.
- That everyone would take a minute or two and listen to those around them instead of judging them.
- And my final wish is for everyone to have someone to love them.
Sandra Campos
Fixin It Up with Sandra
270 N Main St. in Lakeport
Hours are 11am – 4pm but will go longer once the weather warms up
Instagram Fixin It Up with Sandra Shop
Facebook Fixin It Up with Sandra Shop
Website Fixin It Up With Sandra (square.site)
YouTube (303) Fixin It Up With Sandra – YouTube
(707) 391-0009
The business Sandra has nominated is A+H General Store in Kelseyville.
A & H General Store
3925 Main Street
Kelseyville, CA
Owner: Sabrina Andrus
